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Dr. Melvin and Mrs. Anita Richardson present a $25,000 check to Dr. Lisa McWherter, right, vice president for development at SWU, to continue funding for the Anita L. and Melvin K. Richardson Endowed Scholarship, awarded annually to deserving students.

Southern Wesleyan University received a $25,000 gift from Melvin and Anita Richardson, which will continue funding for the Anita L. and Melvin K. Richardson Endowed Scholarship.

The scholarship, established in 1989, is awarded annually to full-time students with a GPA of at least 3.0. Melvin served on the university’s board of trustees from 1996-2000 and is a former mayor of Six Mile. Anita currently serves on the town’s Planning Commission.

“Anita and I grew up under some pretty humble circumstances,” Melvin said, adding that God had blessed them over the years to where they had reached a point that they can help deserving students attain their goals.

“Dr. and Mrs. Richardson are an amazing couple! They truly understand the value of a great education and are passing this gift along to future scholars. Their thoughtful and generous contribution to Southern Wesleyan University is just one example of how Mel and Anita are continuing to demonstrate their support for this community,” said Dr. Lisa McWherter, vice president for development. “We are so thankful to the Richardsons for carving out their legacy by sharing the gift that gives for a lifetime — the gift of education.”